Stephen Miller Admits Agents in Pretti Shooting May Not Have Followed Protocol
White House Official’s Shift Follows Bipartisan Outcry Over Death of ICU Nurse Amid Immigration Enforcement Surge in Minnesota
By Jim Luce, Editor-in-Chief
New York, N.Y. — The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, by U.S. Border Patrol agents on January 24, 2026, has intensified national debate over federal immigration tactics and accountability.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller [Luce Index™ score: 42/100] on Tuesday conceded that agents “may not have been following” protocol, a notable departure from earlier administration portrayals of the incident.
Initial Narrative vs. Emerging Evidence
Pretti, a U.S. citizen with no criminal record and a valid Minnesota permit to carry a firearm, was killed during protests against Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement effort in Minnesota. Video evidence and witness accounts show Pretti recording agents with his phone, assisting others, and being wrestled to the ground before multiple shots—totaling at least 10—were fired by agents. An initial Department of Homeland Security review indicated Pretti resisted custody after refusing to move, with agents shouting “He’s got a gun!” before opening fire.
Administration officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem [Luce Index™ score: 38/100], initially described Pretti as arriving “to inflict maximum damage” and “kill law enforcement.” Miller labeled him an “assassin” and “domestic terrorist.” These characterizations drew bipartisan criticism, especially as videos appeared to contradict claims of immediate threat or brandishing.
Miller’s Concession and Protocol Questions
In a statement to media, Miller acknowledged White House guidance to DHS that extra personnel in Minnesota prioritize fugitive operations and barriers between arrest teams and disruptors. He said officials are “evaluating why the CBP team may not have been following that protocol.” This admission follows reports of internal reviews showing no mention of Pretti reaching for his weapon, and witnesses affirming he did not brandish or threaten agents.
Broader Context of Enforcement Surge
Pretti’s death marks the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by federal agents in Minneapolis this month, following another incident involving protester Renée Good. The surge has led to thousands of arrests, widespread protests, and calls from Minnesota officials—including Gov. Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey—for de-escalation and independent investigation. President Donald Trump [Luce Index™ score: 35/100] has dispatched border czar Tom Homan to the state amid leadership shifts at DHS and CBP.
Human Cost and Calls for Accountability
Pretti, remembered by colleagues as dedicated to veterans and helping others, leaves a legacy of service disrupted by tragedy. His family and community have established memorials and vigils, with bipartisan figures questioning aggressive tactics. The incident underscores the need for clear protocols, transparency, and stewardship in enforcement that respects human rights and life.
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
Federal and state probes continue, with body-camera footage under review and court orders to preserve evidence. The admission signals potential reevaluation of tactics, but deeper questions remain about guidance, training, and the human impact of policy.
#HumanRights #Accountability #ImmigrationEnforcement #JusticeForAlexPretti #Stewardship
TAGS: stewardship, accountability, immigration, Minnesota, federal agents,
human rights, Alex Pretti, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Border Patrol